Vodafone begins 5G trial at Manchester Airport

Vodafone has started a trial of 5G mobile technology at Manchester Airport in the latest test of the next-generation communications network.

The telecoms giant is using a specially designed "blast pod", in which travellers at the airport's Terminal One can sit and try out the network.

Vodafone says it could offer mobile internet speeds up to four times faster than current generation 4G.

The trial is one of a number of tests currently taking place in the UK - across a number of different mobile operators - ahead of public rollout, expected to begin later this year.

Vodafone is already trialling 5G in parts of Salford, Greater Manchester.

It said it would also begin further trials in the coming weeks, including at Snow Hill railway station in Birmingham.

Vodafone chief executive Nick Jeffery said:

5G is expected to enable the greater widespread use of internet of things (IoT) technology and help spark the creation of more connected cities, as well as support the wider use of autonomous cars and robotics.

Manchester Airport chief operating officer Brad Miller said: